Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, is more than just a place to stay—it’s a magical destination that offers countless opportunities to create lasting memories with your family. With stunning backdrops, Disney characters, and unique experiences like the Disney Aulani Character Breakfast, it’s the perfect location for a family photo session. Whether you want to capture candid moments or posed portraits, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Aulani family photo session, ensuring all your photos reflect the magic of your vacation.
1. Choose the Right Time
When planning your Disney Aulani family photo session, timing is crucial. The best photos are often taken during the “golden hours” — the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. These times provide soft, flattering lighting that enhances the beauty of the Aulani Resort.
- Morning Sessions: Start your day with a short walk to the beach or infinity pool for a serene, peaceful setting. The lighting is gentle, and your family, including the kids, will likely be fresh and energized, making it easier to capture joyful, natural expressions.
- Evening Sessions: The late afternoon is perfect for capturing the breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets. Imagine your family photos with the warm, golden light of the setting sun over the Ko Olina Lagoon or Waikolohe Stream. This time also offers a more relaxed atmosphere after a day of enjoying the lazy river or the outdoor hydrotherapy garden at the resort spa.
2. Scout the Best Locations
Aulani offers numerous picturesque locations for your family photo session. Whether you’re looking for iconic Disney magic or natural Hawaiian beauty, there’s a perfect spot for every family.
- The Beach: Ko Olina Beach, with its crystal-clear water and soft sand, is ideal for classic beach photos. Consider bringing sand toys for the kids to play with while the Disney photographers capture candid moments.
- The Lagoon: The calm waters of the Ko Olina Lagoon provide a serene backdrop, perfect for capturing the entire family, including extended families, in one shot.
- The Gardens: The lush, tropical gardens around Aulani are perfect for family photos, with vibrant greenery and colorful flowers that make every picture pop.
- Rainbow Reef: For a unique underwater experience, consider taking photos at Rainbow Reef, where your family can swim with tropical fish. These images will surely stand out in your photo album.
- Aunty’s Beach House: A fun spot for photos, especially if your kids enjoyed the activities here during your stay. It’s a great way to capture the memories of their super fun experiences.
- Laniwai Spa: The serene atmosphere around Laniwai Spa, including the outdoor hydrotherapy garden, provides a peaceful setting for more relaxed family portraits.
- Ulu Cafe: For a casual setting, the area around Ulu Cafe offers a great backdrop. Plus, it’s a convenient spot if you want to grab a snack or coffee during the session.
3. Coordinate Your Outfits
Coordinating outfits is essential for creating cohesive and visually pleasing family photos. Here are some tips:
- Color Coordination: Choose a color palette that complements the natural surroundings of Aulani Resort. Soft pastels, earthy tones, and shades of blue and white work well with the beach and garden settings. Avoid overly bright colors or busy patterns that might distract from the overall image.
- Comfort: Hawaii’s climate can be warm and humid, so choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. Consider the setting—barefoot on the beach or sandals by the pool can add a relaxed, vacation vibe to your photos.
- Disney Magic: If you’re planning to include Disney characters in your photos, like Mickey or Minnie Mouse, consider incorporating Disney-themed outfits or accessories for a touch of fun and magic.
4. Hire a Professional Photographer
While smartphone cameras are great, hiring a professional photographer can elevate your Aulani photos to the next level. A Disney photographer familiar with the Aulani Resort will know the best spots, the ideal times for lighting, and how to capture your family’s unique personality.
- Disney Photographers: Aulani offers its own professional photography services, including private sessions with Disney photographers. They know all the direction to make your family look their best and can include Disney characters in your photos.
- Local Family Photographers: You might also consider hiring a local family photographer who specializes in capturing the natural beauty of Hawaii. They may offer personalized packages, including print photo packages, that allow you to take home beautiful, high-quality prints of your family photos.
- Commemorative Character Photo Price: If you’re planning to purchase a commemorative character photo, ask about the price and available packages ahead of time.
5. Plan for Candid Moments
Some of the best family photos come from candid moments. Encourage your family to interact naturally during the session—play with your kids on the beach, walk hand-in-hand along the shore, or share a laugh at the Disney Aulani Character Breakfast. These genuine interactions often result in the most memorable and heartfelt photos.
6. Prepare for the Weather
Hawaii’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers being quite common. Be prepared for the possibility of rain, especially if your session is outdoors.
- Check the Forecast: Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your session. If rain is expected, discuss a backup plan with your photographer.
- Embrace the Weather: Sometimes, a little rain can add a unique touch to your photos. Bring colorful umbrellas that complement your outfits for a playful, spontaneous shoot.
7. Make It Fun for the Kids
If you’re traveling with young children, make sure the photo session is fun and stress-free for them.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Keep your kids hydrated and energized with snacks and water. Consider packing a coffee pot for unlimited refills if you’re planning an early morning session.
- Plan for Breaks: If your session is about an hour or longer, plan for short breaks to let the kids run around and release some energy.
- Incorporate Props: Bringing along a favorite toy, like boogie boards, can keep the kids engaged and add a personal touch to your photos.
8. Timing and Patience
The most important thing is to be patient and flexible. Kids can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Trust your photographer to capture the best moments, even if they are not what you originally envisioned. The goal is to have fun and create lasting memories.
9. Utilize Disney Photopass Service
Don’t forget to take advantage of the Disney Photopass Service available throughout the resort. It allows you to collect all the images taken by Disney photographers during your entire trip. You can then view and purchase the photos you love the most on the Disney Aulani Resort website.
10. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Remember that your Aulani family photo session is about capturing the joy and love your family shares. Relax, have fun, and let the Disney magic shine through in every photo. Whether it’s a candid moment by the lazy river or a posed family portrait at the infinity pool, these images will be cherished keepsakes of your Hawaiian vacation.
Planning your Aulani family photo session doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this ultimate guide and considering all the details—from timing and locations to outfits and professional photographers—you can ensure that your family photos will be beautiful, timeless, and full of Disney magic. So, whether you’re splashing around in the Waikolohe Stream, exploring the resort spa, or enjoying the character breakfast, make sure to capture every special moment of your trip to Disney’s Aulani Resort.
